With the melodies of Pepe Benavente playing softly in the background and after 11:00 a.m., both men and women began to gather in the patio. Some arrived with assistance while others ventured in independently, utilising canes, walkers, or the support of companions.
The majority donned caps or hats; although the day was cool and the venue was perfectly regulated to prevent excessive warmth or chill, the sun stubbornly shone on.
At the Quesada Sánchez Family Shelter Home in Tacoronte, arrangements were meticulously made to observe the International Day of the Elderly in an exceptional manner. Renowned for its vibrancy and innovation, the centre truly lived up to its reputation last Tuesday. Residents engaged in their usual activities and games, but this time in a festively decorated setting, enhanced by music and the presence of family, volunteers, and staff. Lía and Isco, the two dogs belonging to psychologist Ariana Smyk, joining in on the fun, have been involved in various activities tailored to relax residents with significant cognitive challenges and to facilitate evaluations.
The residents actively groomed the dogs, sharing tidbits and pampering them with treats. This initiative began in 2020, aiming to educate the elderly on responsible pet ownership and to foster their autonomy regarding companionship with pets. Since then, both dogs have seamlessly integrated into the community. Ithaisa Hernández González, the centre’s director, highlighted that “they cannot envision Christmas or any important celebration without the two dogs’ presence.”
“I adore activities involving animals since I’ve owned dogs since childhood,” shared Victoria, a resident from Santa Cruz who has been residing there for six months. “I have cherished my time here, not just for the attention but for the wonderful people. Although my vision is limited, I engage in whatever I can. I arrived almost unable to walk, and now I use a walker,” she emphasised. Paulina echoed her sentiments, displaying her room—decorated with personal touches—including photographs of her four children (three sons and one daughter) and her six grandchildren, alongside a collection of her artwork and crafts. “I feel content here,” she affirmed.
While many residents require physical and cognitive support, some have chosen to stay in the centre to avoid solitude at home. Here, they enjoy comprehensive services and companionship. Residents come and go freely, like Cristóbal Guanche, who crafts various items such as chairs, benches, shelves, and wheelbarrows from the pallets received at the centre. These creations are gifted to his peers for use with potted flowers and festive decorations. This creativity blossomed during lockdown, as he sought alternatives amidst the limitations.
He found joy in cultivating a garden adjoining the building. In this space, he grows vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees, and even established a small carpentry station at the entrance with tools acquired by the centre. “At present, I have planted bubangueras, cucumbers, and peppers, along with chard, parsley, palm tree pepper, Italian and sweet peppers,” he detailed. His prized possession is an avocado tree, laden with fruit, inherited from Jacinto, a former resident. However, the top had to be trimmed as he noted, “I can’t reach up there to harvest the avocados.” He also tends to flowers that he gifts to the staff and bananas from a tree provided by Diario de Avisos during the pandemic, which has now produced three offspring.
The day’s activities were organised into stations ensuring every resident had the opportunity to partake. Ariana engaged residents’ memories with colourful hoops, aided by her two dogs, who would hide one hoop and then prompt the seated elders to identify the missing colour.
The next activity demanded more time and coordination. Residents formed two lines, each pair holding a hoop so that Isco and Lía could pass through when called. If the dogs successfully navigated the course without toppling the hoop, they were rewarded for their efforts.
Ultimately, the residents gathered in a circle once more and were invited to pet and treat the dogs. Isco expressed gratitude, responding to affectionate strokes by lifting his paw. No one wished to leave that station, wishing for the joyous moment to continue. Pili, a former leader at the centre, returned to assist with the celebration. She orchestrated a parachute game, beloved by seniors for fostering teamwork, coordination, and upper body activation. Participants held a large, colourful cloth by its edges while balls were tossed into it, requiring movement toward the indicated colour. Laughter and cheers echoed: “over there,” not “here,” “get up,” “harder,” “slow down,” were just some of the delightful replays in between giggles.
Before them was a station hosted by Samuel, the sociocultural entertainer, who created oversized soap bubbles. The first bubbles burst quickly, but as he honed his technique, they floated gracefully through the air, captivating the residents, save for a man and two women painting nearby.
A group at a table in one corner of the patio exhibited contentment in their own way. Among them was Lorenza, who clutched Nuka, the robotic seal that has made the centre a trailblazer in the Canary Islands for assisting those with cognitive impairments. Ithaisa clarified that Nuka is more than a plush toy; it responds to various stimuli. Residents become familiar with its name, closing their eyes at bedtime commands, and feeling warmth when they cuddle it due to its thermoregulating properties. Such features make it an irresistible companion, with many reluctant to let others enjoy it, unwittingly experiencing its therapeutic benefits. They delighted in stroking it, grooming its “fur”, and even cherishing its unique scent and soft texture akin to a baby seal.
A similar scenario unfolded with a baby-like doll. Especially among the women, there was a palpable reluctance to relinquish it, with one resident cradling it lovingly, gazing with tenderness. Joy prevailed throughout all activities—a happiness unbound by age, sometimes shared and other times savoured in solitude. This sentiment radiated from the attentive staff, who devotedly engaged with each elder. “We take immense pleasure in them. Our work is rewarding each day, and engagements like today amplify that satisfaction as we witness their delighted expressions and their enjoyment. Above all, during this stage of life, we are here to support and care for them as they once did for us; it is only fitting that we do so with joy,” remarked Ithaisa.
An Inclusive Centre Promoting Active Ageing
The centre accommodates 85 individuals and operates under the Gerón Foundation, owned by the Canarian Family Quesada Sánchez Foundation. In addition to privately funded placements, some are subsidised by the local council, arranged through the IASS. Its management approach fosters an open and participatory centre that promotes active ageing and the integration of residents into the community. To support this, training sessions, open days, and workshops are organised for family caregivers. Moreover, each floor is equipped with a computer for residents keen on using social networks or with basic computer skills. The staff comprises nursing assistants, registered nurses, psychologists, physicians, physiotherapists, social workers, sociocultural animators, maintenance crews, cleaners, cooks, and kitchen assistants.
